- Katy M. O'Brian, David Corenswet, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos
- July 17th 2024
- Lee Isaac Chung
Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos and Glen Powell chase storms in the standalone sequel to the 1996 disaster movie Twister.
Twister, starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, remains a classic of the disaster movie genre 28 years after its release.
It’s surprising that it’s taken that long to bring another iteration to the big screen in the form of Twisters, a standalone sequel with very little connective tissue to the original.
This movie stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate Carter, a meteorologist who turned her back on storm chasing five years ago after a tragedy.
However, she is lured back into the field by her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos), who wants her help him take 3D scans of tornadoes for his new hi-tech company.
Just like in the original, there are two teams going after the tornadoes of Oklahoma, and Kate and Javi’s group are routinely pestered by storm-chasing YouTuber Tyler Owens (Glen Powell) and his motley crew.
First things first – it is not essential to watch the 1996 film to understand Twisters. The story and characters are totally new and you will only miss a few throwaway references. It’s not necessary viewing but it’s a great film so you should check it out anyway.
Director Lee Isaac Chung is very faithful to the original with his new version. It feels like a classic ’90s movie (despite the modern technology) and it mirrors the earlier look, feel and structure.
The concept is the same (scientists trying to place equipment in the tornado) but the characters are different enough that it doesn’t feel like a total rehash of what came before.
While it comes close, Twisters is not better than its predecessor. Firstly, the tornado encounters are impressive CGI spectacles but they don’t achieve the same levels of excitement.
Secondly, the wider crew aren’t given as much time to shine – Sasha Lane and Katy O’Brian needed more screen time – so you don’t get the same sense of camaraderie between the chasers.
Despite those minor criticisms, Twisters is a highly entertaining summer blockbuster that will have you hooked from its dramatic opening sequence to its final showdown.
The visual effects are flawless, the production design will make your jaw drop, and Powell’s charming performance will put a big smile on your face.
In cinemas from Wednesday 17th July.
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